Rep. Addison McDowell Introduces the Unmasking Hamas Act to Strengthen Penalties for Criminals in Disguise

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) introduced the Unmasking Hamas Act of 2025, a bill aimed at increasing penalties for individuals who use a mask or disguise while damaging federal property or infringing on a person’s Constitutionally protected right. People are more prone to committing violent behavior when they believe their identity is hidden - something we’ve seen time and again since October 7th. The Unmasking Hamas Act is meant to curb such violence. 

The legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. Brandon Gill (TX), Craig Goldman (TX), Brian Jack (GA), and Riley Moore (WV).

"These masked cowards are running wild, terrorizing students and communities to push their antisemitic hate—enough is enough," said Congressman McDowell. "Free speech doesn’t mean hiding your face while breaking the law. The Unmasking Hamas Act sends a loud and clear message—if you're out there stirring chaos and intimidating people, we will unmask you and hold you accountable."

"Terrorist sympathizers hiding behind masks to intimidate, threaten, and destroy have no place in America. I’m proud to cosponsor Rep. McDowell’s Unmasking Hamas Act to ensure swift, severe penalties for protesters who think they can trample our rights and wreak havoc on our streets. Republicans are taking back our country—restoring law, order, and accountability,” said Rep. Brandon Gill

“Since the tragic events of October 7th, masked protesters have been causing chaos across the nation. On college campuses, these individuals are intimidating students, occupying academic buildings, and disrupting classes. In cities, mobs of masked protesters are vandalizing public property with hateful messages. These vile protesters should no longer be allowed to hide behind masks while violating other’s rights. I am joining my colleagues to introduce the Unmasking Hamas Act of 2025 to take the necessary action to prevent these unlawful activities,” said Rep. Graig Goldman.

What the Unmasking Hamas Act Does:

• Increases penalties for individuals who use masks or disguises while violating the constitutional rights of others, with up to 15 years of imprisonment.
• Adds two years to the sentence of any individual convicted of destroying federal property while disguised.
• Protects law enforcement officers, ensuring that legitimate police activities are not impacted.

On October 7, 2023, the world saw over 1,200 men, women, and children, including 46 Americans and citizens of more than 30 countries, slaughtered by Hamas. This marked the largest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust and included 254 victims taken hostage, including 12 Americans.

While we stand strong in the face of terrorism and work to bring the hostages home, Hamas-inspired protests continue to ravage throughout our universities, college campuses, and federal lands. These protests have resulted in personal injury and property damage, like the activity seen at Barnard College and Union Station in Washington, DC.

The Unmasking Hamas Act of 2025 is designed to send a clear message: those who seek to commit violence and intimidation while masking their identity will be held accountable.

Read the full bill text here.

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